A veritable firework of long, wiggly, chartreuse leaves. This zany miniature hosta will add color and whimsy to any shade garden or container. Pair with blue cultivars like 'Blue Mouse Ears' or 'Fragrant Blue' to capture the whole spectrum of hosta hues.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Curly Fries'

Common Name: Curly Fries Hosta

Garden Size: 6-11 inches tall by 16-20 inches wide; scape height 16-23 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding, Slight Rhizomatous

Foliage: A clump of long, narrow, ruffled leaves with a yellow-green color that gradually turns to pale yellow. Plant in morning sunlight for the brightest chartreuse leaves.

Flowers: Tube-shaped, lavender flowers with purple stripes that grow on deep purple scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid to late summer.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: V-3 (Miniature Leaved, Yellow)

Parentage: Seedling of H. 'Pineapple Upsidedown Cake'